The 17 Best Vacation Spots in Florida for Every Type of Traveler

Florida is one of those rare places where you can have three completely different vacations in the same state.

You can do sleek city days and rooftop nights in Miami. Quiet, shell-strewn island mornings on the Gulf. Theme parks and pool days in Orlando. Emerald Coast beaches so white they look edited. Or the Keys, where time stretches out, and everything tastes better near the water.

If you’re searching for the best vacation spots in Florida, this guide breaks down the destinations that deliver the most when you’re actually trying to plan a trip – what each place is best for, what you’ll do there, and where Wander can anchor your stay with the space, privacy, and wow-factor hotels can’t compete with.

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At a Glance: Best Florida Vacation Destinations

• Best for a big “Florida wow” trip: Miami & Miami Beach

• Best for calm, classic beach days: Sanibel + Captiva

• Best for couples who want island polish: Marco Island

• Best for family fun with built-in downtime: Orlando (Kissimmee)

• Best for sugar-white sand + clear Gulf water: Destin

• Best for scenic, quieter Gulf Coast beauty: 30A / Panama City Beach area

• Best for “old Florida” vibes: Anna Maria Island

• Best for a laid-back Keys escape: Marathon (Florida Keys)

• Best for peaceful beach towns without crowds: Palm Coast + Flagler Beach

• Best for an under-the-radar beach reset: Melbourne Beach + Vero Beach

1. Miami & Miami Beach

Why it’s one of the best vacation spots in Florida

Miami is Florida at its most electric — beach mornings, design museums, Cuban coffee, rooftop cocktails, boat days on Biscayne Bay, and nights that don’t really need a plan. It’s also one of the easiest places in the state to build a “do a lot, rest a lot” rhythm: explore hard, then retreat somewhere private and luxurious.

What to do

• Walk the Miami Beach boardwalk early, before the day heats up

• Spend an afternoon in Wynwood or the Design District

• Take a sunset cruise on Biscayne Bay

• Do a South Beach day, then dinner in Brickell

• Mix in a museum or live show between beach time

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Miami Beach Sanctuary – A waterfront estate with a private pool, hot tub, sauna, and movie theater — ideal when you want Miami energy and a real sanctuary to come home to.

• Wander Brickell Bay – A 48th-floor suite with bay views and W Miami amenities, perfect for travelers who want the skyline version of Miami — pool deck, gym, and a private balcony moment.

• Wander Miami Manor – The “everyone’s entertained” option: sauna, cold plunge, water slide, game room, waterfall feature — a full vacation playground that still feels elevated.

2. The Florida Keys (Marathon)

Why it’s one of the best vacation destinations in Florida

The Keys aren’t about rushing. They’re for boat days, sun-faded afternoons, snorkel trips, and seafood dinners that turn into long conversations. Marathon sits in a sweet spot: you get true Keys scenery without feeling too remote, with easy access to water adventures.

What to do

• Charter a boat or book a snorkel trip

• Spend a slow beach day at Sombrero Beach

• Try a fishing charter (Marathon is a favorite for it)

• Do a sunset dinner on the water

• Plan a day trip farther down the Keys if you want to roam

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Sombrero Oasis – A showstopper waterfront retreat with a 75-foot dock, saltwater infinity pool, and rooftop patio views — made for boat days and sunset nights.

• Wander Marathon Key – A three-story waterfront retreat in the heart of the Florida Keys with a private pool, hot tub, boat dock, wet bar, and expansive balconies for ocean-view lounging and sunset dinners (7-night minimum stay).

3. Sanibel Island

Why it’s one of the best Florida vacation spots for a slower pace

Sanibel is Florida in soft focus: bike paths, wildlife refuges, shelling, and beach walks that feel genuinely restorative. It’s perfect for travelers who want nature and quiet — but still want a stay that feels special.

What to do

• Go shelling early (it’s famously good here)

• Bike the island paths

• Visit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

• Do a low-key beach picnic day

• Take a short hop to Captiva for a change of scenery

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Sanibel Views – A newly renovated beachfront condo with direct sand access in a highly equipped community — ideal for easy, no-fuss beach living.

• Wander Sanibel Breeze – A rare beachfront sanctuary with a stunning pool/spa setup and spacious living — the kind of place that makes you extend your trip.

4. Captiva Island

Why it’s one of the best vacation spots in Florida for “escape” energy

Captiva feels like Florida’s luxury exhale. The beaches are gorgeous, the pace is slow, and the days are built around water, sun, and the simple pleasure of having nowhere urgent to be.

What to do

• Beach mornings and long Gulf swims

• Rent bikes and explore casually

• Take a boat tour for dolphins and manatees

• Sunset walks every evening (it’s a Captiva ritual)

• Treat dinners as a slow event, not a stop

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Captiva Eden – A beachfront architectural masterpiece (and former Robert Rauschenberg home) with private beach access and a heated pool/spa — pure “you’ll remember this forever” luxury.

• Wander Casa Captiva – An elevated beachfront sanctuary with direct beach access, a sparkling pool, and a private hot tub — perfect for slow mornings, salt-air afternoons, and effortless island relaxation.

5. Anna Maria Island (Holmes Beach + Bean Point)

Why it’s one of the best vacation destinations in Florida

Anna Maria is the antidote to overbuilt beach towns. It’s charming, laid-back, and still feels like a real place people live — with incredible sunsets, soft sand, and a slower daily rhythm that’s easy to fall into.

What to do

• Spend an afternoon at Bean Point for the view (and the sunset)

• Bike the island end to end

• Do a “beach morning, nap afternoon, dinner out” schedule

• Book a dolphin cruise or rent paddleboards

• Explore local seafood spots and beach cafés

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Holmes Beach – A Bali-inspired sanctuary just a short walk to the sand, with a heated saltwater pool and fire feature for dreamy evenings in.

• Wander Anna Maria Shores – Rooftop fire pit sunsets, a heated saltwater pool with a slide, arcade game room, and Gulf views steps from Bean Point — the “everyone’s happy” family pick.

• Wander Serendipity Sol – A beachfront escape with direct access, ocean views, pool, gym + sauna, and watersports gear — perfect if you want your trip to revolve around the water.

6. Siesta Key (Sarasota)

Why it’s one of the best Florida vacation spots for beach lovers

Siesta Key is famous for a reason. The sand is powder-soft, the water is that clear Gulf blue, and you can do both: quiet beach mornings and lively evenings in Siesta Key Village.

What to do

• Spend a full day on Siesta Beach (it’s an icon)

• Explore Siesta Key Village for dining and casual nightlife

• Take a sunset cruise

• Try nearby Crescent Beach for a calmer vibe

• Mix in a Sarasota arts and dining afternoon

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Siesta Key Sunset – A beachfront retreat with rooftop views designed for golden hour.

• Wander Siesta Key Palms – Elevator access, a pool, a patio built for lounging, and a rooftop for that “this is why we came” feeling.

• Wander Siesta Key Sands – Ocean views, a hot tub, putting green, and a wet bar — a true beach-house upgrade with luxury baked into the details.

7. Marco Island

Why it’s one of the best vacation spots in Florida for polished island luxury

Marco Island is for travelers who want the Gulf Coast — but refined. Think waterfront homes, boat access, spa-style pool setups, and that “everything feels easy” resort energy without the crowds.

What to do

• Cruise the Ten Thousand Islands by boat

• Plan a beach day, then sunset cocktails

• Book a dolphin tour

• Day trip to Naples for dining and shopping

• Do slow mornings and long pool afternoons

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Marco Crystal – A luxe island retreat with a custom saltwater pool + spa and an outdoor kitchen for all-day living outside.

• Wander Marco Shores – A brand-new canal-front home with a stunning pool/spa setup and elevated interiors designed for comfort and style.

• Wander Marco Pearl – Bay views, pool, hot tub, and a private boat dock — made for travelers who want to be on the water whenever they feel like it.

8. Orlando (Kissimmee)

Why it’s one of the best vacation destinations in Florida for families

Orlando is the headline — but the real secret is staying somewhere that feels like a vacation even when you’re not at the parks. If you do it right, Orlando becomes a mix of big days out and truly relaxing nights in.

What to do

• Disney + Universal with rest days built in

• Water parks and resort pools

• Outlet shopping breaks

• Golf days for the adults

• Easy dinners at home to reset between park days

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Orlando Fairway – Hot tub, movie theater, arcade machine, meditation room, and a themed room — a perfect “parks + recovery” home base.

• Wander Orlando Cove – Golf simulator, water slide, sauna, themed room, movie theater — high-energy fun that keeps the excitement going after the parks.

• Wander Orlando Sky – Pool, sauna, gym, hot tub, movie theater, game room, fireplace — the best choice when you want resort amenities without leaving home.

• Wander Orlando Lotus – A family-friendly luxury retreat with a game room, private movie theater, themed room, pool, and hot tub — built for memory-making.

• Wander Orlando Park – Movie theater, arcade-style game room, hot tub, and outdoor dining for easy family nights that don’t require another reservation.

9. Palm Coast & Flagler Beach

Why it’s one of the best Florida vacation spots for a quieter coast

Palm Coast and Flagler Beach are for travelers who want “beach town” without the scene. You get long walks, uncrowded shorelines, and the kind of calm that makes you sleep better.

What to do

• Beach walks and sunrise coffee outside

• Explore coastal parks and nature trails

• Day trip to St. Augustine for history + dining

• Keep evenings simple: sunset + fire pit + one more drink

• Make it a true reset trip

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Palm Coast Waterfront – A luxury Cinnamon Beach retreat with pool, hot tub, infrared sauna, outdoor fireplace/firepit, rooftop terrace, and community resort amenities just minutes from the beach.

• Wander Flagler Beach Modern – A beachfront escape with hot tub, sauna, fire pit, elevator, game room, and oceanfront outdoor dining — the kind of place you’ll want to stay in.

10. Melbourne Beach (Space Coast)

Why it’s one of the best vacation destinations in Florida for “active + relaxed” trips

Melbourne Beach is ideal when you want coastal calm — but with plenty to do. The Space Coast brings a little extra personality: water activities, laid-back beaches, and a more local feel than the mega-resort zones.

What to do

• Kayak or paddleboard on the Intracoastal

• Fish from docks or book a charter

• Take long beach walks in the evening

• Keep days flexible: water + pool + grill dinner

• Add a day trip north or south if you want variety

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Melbourne Beach – A renovated waterfront retreat with a pool, hot tub, private dock, putting green, games, fireplace, and space for everyone to actually enjoy being together.

11. Vero Beach

Why it’s one of the best Florida vacation spots for peaceful beachfront luxury

Vero Beach is quietly beautiful — less commercial, more elegant, and perfect if your ideal trip is “wake up, walk onto the beach, repeat.”

What to do

• Beach days with zero agenda

• Sunrise walks and long ocean swims

• Slow dinners and early nights

• Explore local cafés and coastal parks

• Make it the kind of trip where time stretches

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Vero Beach – Sleek oceanfront luxury with direct beach access and a fireplace for the rare cooler evening — simple, refined, and effortlessly restorative.

12. Fort Myers Beach

Why it’s one of the best vacation destinations in Florida for classic Gulf Coast fun

Fort Myers Beach is lively in that easy Florida way — beach bars, boat tours, warm-water afternoons, and a mix of relaxation and activity that works for groups.

What to do

• Dolphin-watching or sunset cruises

• Water sports: kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing

• Long beach afternoons with casual dinners after

• Plan a boat day if you want to explore nearby islands

• Do “pool morning, beach afternoon” with no guilt

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Fort Myers Retreat – A waterfront escape with a pool, hot tub, waterfall feature, and canal/ocean views that make downtime feel like the main event.

• Wander Fort Myers Bay – A coastal retreat with ocean views, outdoor kitchen + dining, and a layout designed for slow meals outside.

13. Tampa (Bayshore Boulevard)

Why it’s one of the best vacation spots in Florida for “city + sunshine”

Tampa is a strong choice when you want warm weather, great food, and things to do — but you still want a home base that feels like a private resort.

What to do

• Walk Bayshore Boulevard (especially at sunset)

• Explore the Riverwalk and downtown

• Day trip to Clearwater or St. Pete

• Brunch + shopping in Hyde Park

• Mix city energy with pool time

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Tampa Bay – An award-winning estate with a pool, plunge pool, putting green, fire pit, ping pong, and loads of outdoor space — perfect for families and groups.

14. The Emerald Coast: Destin

Why it’s one of the best vacation destinations in Florida for “postcard beach” trips

Destin is where Florida looks like the brochures: sugar-white sand, clear emerald water, and beach days that actually feel like a vacation. It’s also one of the best places in the state for family trips and group getaways.

What to do

• Spend a day at Henderson Beach State Park

• Take a dolphin cruise

• Book a boat day (this is prime water territory)

• Do beach mornings and pool afternoons

• Keep evenings easy: grill, balconies, and salty hair

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Destin Beach Crystal – Steps from the sand with a heated private pool, game room with bar, multiple balconies, and a backyard built for all-day sun.

• Wander Destin Beach – A three-story luxury home with a heated pool, spa, putting green, kids’ game room, and even a free golf cart — designed for effortless group vacations.

15. The Emerald Coast: Panama City Beach & nearby 30A favorites

Why it’s one of the best vacation spots in Florida for beach-hopping

Panama City Beach puts you close to some of Florida’s most loved beach towns — with easy access to places like Seaside, Alys Beach, WaterColor, and Laguna Beach. It’s a great base if you want variety without moving every night.

What to do

• Spend mornings on the beach, afternoons exploring nearby towns

• Do a day trip to Seaside for the “movie-set pretty” vibe

• Bike and wander the scenic coastal areas

• Keep dinners casual and outdoors

• Make it a “beach days + little adventures” trip

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Panama City Beachside – One block from the Gulf with a private pool, bright open interiors, and a covered patio that makes beach living easy.

• Wander Panama Shores – A luxury Bid-A-Wee Beach estate with Gulf views, a private saltwater pool, and deeded access to a quieter, undeveloped shoreline — a rare kind of Panama City Beach stay.

16. The Forgotten Coast: Mexico Beach & Port St. Joe

Why it’s one of the best vacation destinations in Florida when you want quiet beauty

If you want the Gulf Coast — but calmer, more local, and less built-up — Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe are the move. Think long beach walks, peaceful mornings, and the kind of trip where you actually read your book.

What to do

• Slow beach days and early dinners outside

• Fishing, kayaking, and boat time

• Explore the quieter coastal towns and local spots

• Grill at home and keep evenings simple

• Let the trip be restful, not packed

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Mexico Beach Sundial – A waterfront villa with a private dock, pool + hot tub, outdoor dining, and a sleek bar setup — perfect for sunset hosting.

• Wander Mexico Beach Swell – Unobstructed Gulf views, multiple beachfront decks, a private pool, fenced yard, and billiards/arcade fun for groups and families.

• Wander St. Joe Breeze – Steps to the beach with a private pool, sun deck, elevator, and beach/adventure gear — made for easy coastal days.

• Wander Port St. Joe Cottage – A beachfront retreat with a pool and outdoor kitchen, built for travelers who want the water as their backdrop all trip long. 

17. The Panhandle: Pensacola Beach / Gulf Breeze

Why it’s one of the best vacation spots in Florida for classic Gulf Coast scenery

Pensacola Beach is gorgeous — bright sand, clear water, and a mix of beach relaxation with nature preserves and outdoor adventures nearby.

What to do

• Beach days with plenty of room to spread out

• Explore Gulf Islands National Seashore areas nearby

• Take a boat or wildlife-focused tour

• Plan a sunset walk every night

• Keep it simple: sun, food, water, repeat

Where to stay with Wander

• Wander Pensacola Beach – A beachfront escape with panoramic ocean views, a pool, and a pool table for after-sun downtime — the kind of place where the beach is the whole point.

Plan Your Florida Getaway With Wander

The best vacation spots in Florida aren’t all the same — and that’s the magic. You can build your trip around beaches, boating, theme parks, island quiet, city energy, or a little of everything.

Where you stay is what makes the difference between “we visited Florida” and “we lived Florida for a week.”

Wander’s luxury Florida vacation rentals give you the space, privacy, and amenities that turn a good trip into a great one — pools, hot tubs, saunas, private docks, rooftop decks, beachfront access, and homes designed to feel like a destination on their own.

Explore luxury vacation rentals in Florida with Wander →